There's a hint of Ireland on classy Aquidneck Island course

Friday

Mar 28, 2008 at 1:56 PMApr 1, 2008 at 12:00 AM

As early morning fog rolls across Narragansett Bay I look over the west passage of the Sakonnet River from atop the third tee at Newport National Golf Club. It is very early as the morning light cascades over these finely sculptured links, for a moment I am not sure if this is Ireland or Aquidneck Island.

As early morning fog rolls across Narragansett Bay I look over the west passage of the Sakonnet River from atop the third tee at Newport National Golf Club. It is very early as the morning light cascades over these finely sculptured links, for a moment I am not sure if this is Ireland or Aquidneck Island.

This place, which I have played so much and flown over countless times, has always mystified me. It brings a sense or a feeling that somewhere beneath the orchard that once stood on these grounds there always was a great golf course. Somehow I feel that Arthur Hills and Drew Rogers just brought it back to life.

As a native to this region I may be somewhat partial to my home roots, or it just may be that I have always loved it here by the sea with the smell of the ocean always in the air. Each time I play this course I feel the same: what a great public access golf course this is for every level of player. The conditions, the layout, the majestic views of Narragansett Bay make it easy to see why this is the number one public access golf course in the region.

In 2002, Newport National opened it doors and the Orchard course came to life. The Arthur Hills and Drew Rogers design was perfectly planned to fit the character and historic charm of this great island location. The rolling hills to the bay carved with stonewalls, bridal trails and wind swept natural vegetation were the canvas for this masterpiece.

The tees, greens and fairways were seeded with 100 percent seaside bent grass to stand up to the harsh Atlantic coastal conditions. Framing almost every hole are deep natural fescue grasses and environmental waste areas. The fairways play firm like many links style courses across the pond and are designed to have a good amount of roll to compensate for shoreline winds. The greens are consistently some of the best the area has to offer, responsive and with a very true roll.

Newport National is a players' course designed for high skill level players from the tips at 7250 yards and is a par 72 with a rating of 74.4 and slope of 138. It will test even the best players. The course presents challenge after challenge with well-placed bunkers, long carries over environmental waste areas and deep fescue. At the same time, the two forward tees will offer the average player a great round of golf from between 6100 and 6500 yards and is designed to keep the mid-handicappers out of trouble and offer them scoring opportunities.

The key here is play this course at the level of your own game. Don't let your ego get in the way of your ability. If you are an average player you will enjoy your round here so much more if you choose the right set of tees. Ask for help if you don't know. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the facility.

I have played golf in almost every region in the country and have had the pleasure to play this game on many of the best courses in the world. Newport National is a masterpiece, the location and the fact that it is a public access facility make it even better. It is true this may not be Ireland but I think it's as close as you will get without crossing the pond, and you even may make it home for dinner after a day of hitting the links.

The course is a fantastic location for a tournament or corporate golf outing, and staff will customize almost any golf event for your organization. This course, chosen as the number one public access golf course in Rhode Island may be a conservative claim, I personally think it is one of the best public access courses in the country.

Club president is Matt Adams an author, columnist and reporter for the Golf Channel. Matt has a new book coming out in April called " In The Spirit of The Game." The club also has a new head PGA Golf Professional this year in David Johnson. For information on outing or tee times, call (401)-846-1489 or visit www.newportnational.com